As the SWAC title game arrives, Southern and Alcorn State both feel up to the challenge

HOUSTON, Texas — Southern and Alcorn State enter Saturday’s Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game at NRG Stadium from different backgrounds.

But both 9-3 teams have reason to believe they’re up to the challenge.

The defending champion Jaguars (8-1 in the SWAC) are making their second appearance in the title game in 365 days. The Braves (7-2 in league play) are making their first appearance in the 16-year-old event.

“I think you understand the surroundings,” Southern coach Dawson Odums said. “I think you understand the schedule. You understand the type of mindset that we want when we go on the road. I think you’ve got some guys who say, ‘This is what we did; this is what it’s about.’ ”

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